I was astounded to see the headline (Page A1, June 10) that referred to Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina as “possibly the next vice presidential, or even presidential picks.” How on Earth could they even be mentioned now for one of the two highest political positions in the country, when neither has any political experience for even one of the two highest elected positions for the state?

On the other hand, Tuesday’s election results on Propositions 16 and 17 restored my faith in California voters, as PG&E outspent its opponents on Proposition 16 by more than 500 to 1, according to another Mercury News article.

Peter Ross

San Jose

State should invest in its children

As a teenager, I’m once again completely confused by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sense of priorities — or lack thereof. Clearly, cutting education and children’s health care only perpetuates the issue of juvenile delinquency, and it would be in the governor’s best interests to understand that and invest the state’s money accordingly. If we don’t at the very least keep up these investments, we’ll see more and more youth entering the Division of Juvenile Justice, which has so many problems of its own.

Brianna Krong

San Jose

Black Chamber did not endorse Prop. 16

A flier was created showing organizations that endorsed Proposition 16. Among the names listed, to our dismay, was the Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce. We support small businesses and our members; we do not support or would not endorse any proposition, especially Proposition 16. Our name was used without our permission. Someone should be accountable.

The flier states that major funding came from Pacific Gas & Electric. PG&E should explain why the political campaign they funded used endorsements without permission. How can PG&E use ratepayers’ money to further its own monopolistic agenda? It has a charter to do the energy business in certain areas and we as ratepayers have no choice but to do business with them. Our chamber has a positive and strong reputation in the community. Using this flier undermined our credibility and enraged our members and associates.

We would like an apology from PG&E for using our name without permission.

Cassandra Nash

Director of Community Relations Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce San Jose

Let lawmakers make the decisions

The reason I voted against Proposition 16 had nothing to do with anger toward PG&E. My reasoning was simply that we live in a republic — that is, I expect the representatives who get elected to spend my tax dollars wisely and efficiently on projects that they deem beneficial to the community. My work should be done at the voting booth.

Todd Kvamme

Los Gatos

Thanks for sparing mountain lion

I want to offer kudos to Sgt. Jim Gillio and the Gilroy Police Department for their thoughtful and humane actions in diverting the mountain lion that wandered into a Gilroy neighborhood (Page B3, June 8). Mountain lions are essential to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems, and, unfortunately, with the encroachment of civilization they are having an increasingly difficult time maintaining their territories.

Karen Enz

Sunnyvale

Hair fixation is a bad sign for Fiorina

Republican Senate nominee Carly Fiorina says in an unscripted moment that she doesn’t like Sen. Barbara Boxer’s hair. Is that what’s on her mind? Fiorina’s campaign is based on negativity, with nary a word on what she’d do as senator.

Sorry, Carly Fiorina. I won’t be voting on hairstyles, and I won’t be voting for you.

Bill Collins

Pacifica

Distraction doesn’t solve problems

Congratulations to the San Jose City Council for getting its priorities straight (Page A1, June 9). While facing a record budget deficit and lacking the spine to collectively join Mayor Chuck Reed in challenging public employee unions, the council has weighed in on Arizona’s immigration law. That’s right up there with the county taking on the weighty issue of fast food toys. The council’s new motto — “If we can’t solve our own problems, let’s create a distraction.”

Peter S. Carter

Los Gatos

S.J. council strays into Arizona

The San Jose City Council agenda item regarding actions designed to punish Arizona bothered me. For years, I’ve been perplexed on why local governments weigh in on affairs of other states and nations. I cannot think of one benefit that will accrue to San Jose citizens and businesses from the 9-2 vote the council took last week. In fact, the opposite is more likely. In the future, please take special care in appreciating the line between what you believe in as individuals and what’s in the best interest of San Jose.

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